Israeli-palestinian Milestone

Last September a ceremony was staged on the south lawn of the White House in Washington D.C. to mark progress in America's brokerage of the Middle East peace process.

It was deliberately designed on similar lines to the ceremony two years earlier for the announcement of the sensational break-through when Israel's late Prime Minister Rabin and the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat declared an end to the hostilities which had divided their peoples for forty-five years.

On that occasion Arafat and Rabin signed a Declaration of Principles for Palestinian self-rule, but these were to have effect only in the Gaza Strip and Jericho as an experimental beginning. The new Agreement now extends the application of those principles to most of the West Bank, which broadly corresponds with the Galilee and Samaria of New Testament times. Moreover the Agreement sets out in exhaustive detail how the transfer of authority is to be carried out, and the respective rights of Palestinians and Israelis.

The Agreement lays down exactly how Israeli troops will be withdrawn from many towns and villages of the West Bank by the end of next month, civil authority being transferred to an elected Palestinian Council. Following the military adjustments, the West Bank and Gaza Strip will elect the Council of eighty-two members, which will have broad responsibility for running its own affairs. There will be a separate election to choose a Chief Executive for the area under Palestinian administration.

This is regarded as an interim period of self-rule. A final settlement is to be achieved not later than May 1999. Until then Israel will retain control of borders, and Palestinians will not be permitted to exercise full control of their external affairs. Israel has also reserved the right to cut the roads between major Palestinian towns, giving them a security option to establish road blocks and check points in case of emergency. In this way they could effectively isolate the Palestinian urban centres. Understand-ably the Palestinians are also less than happy that Jewish settlements are interspersed throughout their Region.

It is doubtless understood by the parties to the Agreement that the interim arrangement is a stepping-stone towards the ultimate goal of a separate Palestinian State. Even if the more conservative Likud Party should regain political control it seems unlikely that they would be able to reverse the situation. This is recognized by the extremists on both sides, stirring them to vehement protest. The Palestinian 'Hantas' group has declared: 'Yes to the Resistance, and One Thousand Nos to the Agreements of Humiliation and Shame'. The extremist Jewish settlers in Hebron marched through the city chanting:

'This is Israeli land - our homeland'. These polarized attitudes are bound to bring continued violence and unrest, but this notwithstanding, the Palestinian main leadership and the Israeli Government seem determined to keep on their agreed course.

Further ahead acute problems are scheduled for discussion. Just three months from now talks are due to begin about Jewish settlements in the occupied territories, even though the residents are adamant in their intention to stay put. Another issue concerns thousands of Palestinians who still live in refugee camps. Even more difficult is the status of Jerusalem, claimed as their capital city by both Israelis and Palestinians. The way ahead is therefore fraught with seemingly intractable problems, and the prospect of violent reactions from extremists on both sides.

As Christian observers of developments in the Middle East we have watched with deep interest, and at times with awe, the evident work of God in bringing to pass the reestablishment of the Israel nation. This is undoubtedly one of the most significant features of twentieth century history in relation to the fulfilment of prophetic' Scripture. As the Lord said to Jeremiah, 'I watch over My Word to perform it' (Jer. 1:12). The spectacular victories which brought the 'occupied territories' under Israeli control confirmed the nation's place as a formidable military power in the Middle East. The present phase of negotiations is an attempt by Israel to meet international pressures regarding the 'occupied territories' without placing at risk her own security. The United Nations insists on the division of the land, and this seems certain to continue until the Deliverer comes out of Zion. Then the nations will be gathered to the Valley of Jehoshaphat for judgement, as God reveals through the prophet Joel. How solemn the divine declaration: 'I will plead with them there for My people and for My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted My land (Joel 3:2).

unknown | Feb 1996
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